The guanine-nucleotide exchange factor SGEF plays a crucial role in the formation of atherosclerosis

The passage of leukocytes across the endothelium and into arterial walls is a critical step in the development of atherosclerosis. Previously, we showed in vitro that the RhoG guanine nucleotide exchange factor SGEF (Arhgef26) contributes to the formation of ICAM-1-induced endothelial docking structures that facilitate leukocyte transendothelial migration. To further explore the in vivo role of this protein during inflammation, we generated SGEF-deficient mice. When crossed with ApoE null mice and fed a Western diet, mice lacking SGEF showed a significant decrease in the formation of atherosclerosis in multiple aortic areas. A fluorescent biosensor revealed local activation of RhoG around bead-clustered ICAM-1 in mouse aortic endothelial cells. Notably, this activation was decreased in cells from SGEF-deficient aortas compared to wild type. In addition, scanning electron microscopy of intimal surfaces of SGEF^−/− mouse aortas revealed reduced docking structures around beads that were coated with ICAM-1 antibody. Similarly, under conditions of flow, these beads adhered less stably to the luminal surface of carotid arteries from SGEF^−/− mice. Taken together, these results show for the first time that a Rho-GEF, namely SGEF, contributes to the formation of atherosclerosis by promoting endothelial docking structures and thereby retention of leukocytes at athero-prone sites of inflammation experiencing high shear flow. SGEF may therefore provide a novel therapeutic target for inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis.

Monitoring of platinum surface contamination in seven Dutch hospital pharmacies using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

OBJECTIVE

To develop, validate, and apply a method for the determination of platinum contamination, originating from cisplatinum, oxaliplatinum, and carboplatinum.

METHODS

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine platinum in wipe samples. The sampling procedure and the analytical conditions were optimised and the assay was validated. The method was applied to measure surface contamination in seven Dutch hospital pharmacies.

RESULTS

The developed method allowed reproducible quantification of 0.50 ng l(-1) platinum (5 pg/wipe sample). Recoveries for stainless steel and linoleum surfaces ranged between 50.4 and 81.4% for the different platinum compounds tested. Platinum contamination was reported in 88% of the wipe samples. Although a substantial variation in surface contamination of the pharmacies was noticed, in most pharmacies, the laminar-airflow (LAF) hoods, the floor in front of the LAF hoods, door handles, and handles of service hatches showed positive results. This demonstrates that contamination is spread throughout the preparation rooms.

CONCLUSION

We developed and validated an ultra sensitive and reliable ICP-MS method for the determination of platinum in surface samples. Surface contamination with platinum was observed in all hospital pharmacies sampled. The interpretation of these results is, however, complicated.

Vasomotor effects of arg-gly-asp (RGD) peptides are limited and not related to endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated relaxation in rat mesenteric arteries

1. In the present study we tested the effect of arg-gly-asp (RGD) peptides on vasomotor responses in rat isolated mesenteric arteries. More specifically, the hypothesis was tested that RGD interaction with integrins mediates relaxation attributed to endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). 2. The presence of the beta3 integrin subunit was shown by western blot analysis. To study its functional role, arteries (355 +/- 11 microm; n = 50) were mounted in a wire myograph set-up to measure isometric force generation. After blockade of nitric oxide synthesis with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (0.1 mmol/L) and prostaglandin synthesis with indomethacin (10 micromol/L), methacholine (10 micromol/L) induced a transient relaxation within 1 min of 72 +/- 4.0% (as percentage of precontraction with phenylephrine; n = 27). 3. These responses were inhibited by a 60 mmol/L potassium buffer (18 +/- 6.0%; n = 6) or endothelium denudation (12 +/- 3.2%; n = 7), consistent with EDHF. 4. A function-blocking monoclonal antibody against the integrin beta3 chain did not affect relaxation. 5. The RGD peptides gly-arg-gly-asp-thr-pro (GRGDTP), gly-arg-gly-asp-ser (GRGDS) and cyclic RGD, ligands for the RGD binding site of integrins, also did not affect relaxation induced by methacholine. 6. Cyclic RGD increased contraction from 91 +/- 3 to 98 +/- 3% (as percentage of 120 mmol/L potassium). 7. In conclusion, these data show that vasomotor responses related to integrins are small and not involved in hyperpolarization attributed to EDHF in rat mesenteric artery.

Organoid culture of cannulated rat resistance arteries: effect of serum factors on vasoactivity and remodeling

We developed an organoid culture technique to study the mechanisms involved in arterial remodeling. Resistance arteries were isolated from rat cremaster muscle and mounted in a pressure myograph at 75 mmHg. Vessels were studied during a 4-day culture period in DMEM with either 2% albumin, 10% heat-inactivated FCS (HI-FCS) or 10% dialyzed HI-FCS (12 kDa cut off) added to the perfusate. The albumin group showed a gradual loss of endothelial function and integrity, whereas smooth muscle agonist and myogenic responses were retained. No remodeling was observed. Vessels cultured in the presence of serum showed a progressive constriction. Smooth muscle responses and substance P-induced endothelium-dependent dilation were maintained. An inward remodeling of 17 +/- 4% in the HI-FCS group and 26 +/- 3% in the dialyzed HI-FCS group was found, while media cross-sectional areas were unchanged. These data show that pressurized resistance arteries can be maintained in culture for several days and undergo eutrophic remodeling in vitro in the presence of high molecular weight serum factors.

Role of cytochrome P-450 4A in oxygen sensing and NO production in rat cremaster resistance arteries

The role of arachidonic acid metabolism and nitric oxide (NO) in hypoxia-induced changes of vascular tone was investigated in first-order cannulated rat cremaster muscle resistance arteries. Spontaneous tone reduced arterial diameter from 179 +/- 2 micrometer (fully dilated) to 98 +/- 3 micrometer under normoxia (PO(2) = 150 mmHg). Hypoxia (PO(2) 5-10 mmHg) had no significant effect on arterial diameter under conditions of spontaneous tone. The effect of hypoxia was not changed after blockade of cyclooxygenase with indomethacin or after blockade of lipoxygenase with nordihydroguaiaretic acid. However, after partial blockade of cytochrome P-450 4A enzymes with 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA), hypoxia increased the diameter by 65 +/- 6 micrometer (P < 0.05). This increase could be inhibited by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) or 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). 17-ODYA induced a concentration-dependent dilation under normoxia, which could be blocked by endothelium removal or L-NNA. 17-ODYA did not increase smooth muscle sensitivity to NO. We conclude that, under conditions of spontaneous tone and in the absence of luminal flow, hypoxia (5-10 mmHg) has no effect on the diameter of resistance arteries from the rat cremaster muscle. Inhibition of the cytochrome P-450 4A pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism under normoxia induces NO production by the endothelium. Hypoxia induces an NO-mediated dilation when cytochrome P-450 4A enzymes are partially inhibited.

Signal transduction in spontaneous myogenic tone in isolated arterioles from rat skeletal muscle

OBJECTIVE

The mechanism of spontaneous myogenic tone was investigated in isolated arteriolar segments.

METHODS

Arterioles were isolated from rat cremaster muscle. Segments were endothelium-denuded and mounted in a pressure myograph at 75 mmHg. Under this condition, segments spontaneously constricted from a passive diameter of 167 +/- 3 to 82 +/- 4 microns (n = 41). The effects of several inhibitors were tested on the maintenance of myogenic tone.

RESULTS

Gadolinium (10(-6)-10(-4) M), a putative inhibitor of stretch-activated cation channels, was ineffective. The phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl-N,N-diphenylcarbamate (NCDC) induced a dose-dependent inhibition of tone. NCDC inhibited phenylephrine- (10(-6) M), but not potassium buffer-induced (100 mM) constriction. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors staurosporine, chelerythrine and calphostin C inhibited myogenic tone in a concentration-dependent manner. At an intermediate concentration, calphostin C selectively inhibited phenylephrine-induced constriction. However, all PKC inhibitors abolished responses to phenylephrine and potassium buffer at higher concentrations. The cytochrome P450 inhibitor 17-ODYA (0.3-3 x 10(-6) M) did not inhibit myogenic tone.

CONCLUSIONS

No evidence was found for a role of gadolinium-sensitive, stretch-activated cation channels or cytochrome P450 metabolites. On the other hand, both PLC and PKC contribute to the maintenance of myogenic tone.

Permissive effect of nitric oxide in arachidonic acid induced dilation in isolated rat arterioles

OBJECTIVE

Prostaglandins and nitric oxide play an important role in the regulation of arteriolar tone. L-Arginine analogues inhibit nitric oxide formation, but may also inhibit arachidonic-acid induced dilation. Nitric oxide was found to stimulate cyclooxygenase activity in cultured endothelial cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that the non-specific inhibition of prostaglandin-related dilation by L-arginine analogues is a consequence of the absence of nitric oxide.

METHODS

To test this hypothesis, arteriolar segments from rat cremaster muscle were studied in a pressure myograph at 75 mmHg. Segments developed spontaneous tone, the diameter reduced from 179 +/- 3 to 98 +/- 3 microns (n = 41). In this condition, responses to exogenous arachidonic acid (1 microM) were recorded and compared with responses after addition of L-NNA, and addition of either SNAP, nitroprusside or 8-Br-cGMP in the presence of L-NNA.

RESULTS

Inhibition of basal nitric oxide production with L-NNA (0.1 mM) reduced arachidonic acid-induced dilation (from 52 +/- 9 to 31 +/- 6 microns). In the presence of L-NNA, responses to arachidonic acid were augmented when exogenous nitric oxide was also present (SNAP, 31 +/- 6 microns vs. 75 +/- 5 microns; nitroprusside, 31 +/- 8 microns vs. 42 +/- 7 microns). Responses were not augmented with the second messenger of nitric oxide-mediated dilation 8-Br-cGMP (37 +/- 9 microns vs. 32 +/- 9 microns).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that nitric oxide directly increases arachidonic acid-induced dilation. Thus, the non-specific effect of L-arginine analogues can be explained by a permissive effect of nitric oxide on endothelial arachidonic acid metabolism.

Endothelin-1-induced constriction inhibits nitric-oxide-mediated dilation in isolated rat resistance arteries

Vascular endothelial cells release dilatory compounds like nitric oxide and prostacyclin, as well as contractile factors like endothelin-1 (ET-1). We investigated the interaction of ET-1 with nitric-oxide-mediated dilation in cannulated pressurized (75 mm Hg) arterioles from rat cremaster muscle (180 +/- 3 microm). Arterioles constricted spontaneously to 101 +/- 3 microm, while ET-1 (0.4 nM) increased constriction to 78 +/- 3 microm. Acetylcholine, an endothelium-dependent nitric-oxide-mediated vasodilator induced a dose-dependent dilation during spontaneous tone. After addition of ET-1, the response to acetylcholine was significantly impaired. Nitroprusside, an endothelium-independent nitric oxide donor, induced a dose-dependent dilation that was almost completely inhibited by ET-1. In contrast, 8-Br-cGMP-induced dilation was unaffected. Thus, ET-1 appears to inhibit nitric-oxide-mediated dilation at the level of cGMP formation or degradation. The effect of ET-1 appears to be specific for nitric oxide as responses to a prostacyclin analogue were impaired at low doses only. The inhibitory effect of ET-1 on nitric-oxide-mediated dilation could be mimicked with high potassium (65 +/- 6 microm), but not with phenylephrine (74 +/- 8 microm)-induced constriction. These data show a direct inhibitory effect of ET-1 on nitric-oxide-mediated dilation in isolated skeletal muscle arterioles.

Components of acetylcholine-induced dilation in isolated rat arterioles

Acetylcholine-induced dilation was studied in cannulated resistance arteries of rat cremaster muscle. Pressurized arteriolar segments (internal diameter: 175 +/- 2 microm) developed spontaneous tone (90 +/- 2 microm). Application of acetylcholine (0.1 and 0.3 microM) resulted in a transient dilation followed by a steady-state dilatory response. In the presence of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) approximately 70% of the transient dilation was resistant to nitric oxide inhibition, whereas the steady-state response was abolished. Further experiments using 0.1 microM acetylcholine (no L-NNA present) were aimed to inhibit synthesis or action of the mediator of the transient component (amplitude: 39 +/- 2.8 microm). A high-potassium buffer (30-50 mM) abolished this transient dilation (1.3 +/- 1.3 microm), suggesting that the dilation is mediated by an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). This putative EDHF-mediated dilation is strongly reduced by cytochrome P-450 inhibitors miconazole (11 +/- 1.3 microm) and SKF-525a (4.8 +/- 4.5 microm). The transient component is inhibited by tetraethylammonium but not by glibenclamide, indicating it is mediated by opening of Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Interestingly, inhibition of the transient component was followed by a subsequent decrease of the nitric oxide-mediated part of the response to acetylcholine. Thus a transient dilation, mediated by a cytochrome P-450 metabolite, precedes and possibly stimulates nitric oxide-mediated dilation in acetylcholine-induced dilation.

Differential effects of quinidine on the disposition of nifedipine, sparteine, and mephenytoin in humans

The effects of quinidine on oxidative routes of drug metabolism mediated by different forms of cytochrome P450 were investigated in 10 healthy subjects. Each subject was studied on three different occasions and separately received oral administration of (1) a "cocktail" of nifedipine (5 mg), sparteine sulfate (90 mg), and mephenytoin (100 mg), (2) quinidine sulfate (200 mg), and (3) quinidine sulfate followed by the "cocktail" 1 hour later. Quinidine pretreatment significantly inhibited the aromatization of nifedipine to its major first-pass pyridine metabolite (M-0) and prolonged the elimination half-life of the calcium channel antagonist, both by about 40%. More marked inhibition of metabolism was observed with sparteine, and the formation of dehydrosparteine was abolished. A significant correlation was found between the 0-8-hour urinary ratio and the plasma concentration ratio of sparteine to dehydrosparteine obtained 4 hours after drug administration. No quinidine-induced changes were observed in the 4-hydroxylation of mephenytoin. The interaction between quinidine and nifedipine supports the involvement of a common P450 (P450IIIA4) in the metabolism of the two drugs.